LIVERPOOL star Philippe Coutinho has got his head down and focused on performing for his club, according to Reds legend Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool news: Philippe Coutinho is performing like Suarez did in his final year, says Carragher

Coutinho wanted to leave Liverpool in the summer, with Barcelona keen on signing the Brazilian.

He was not granted his wish despite handing in an official transfer request.

After missing the back-end of pre-season and the first few games of the campaign, Coutinho has come back into the side and now scored in his last three outings after a stunner in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle today.

Carragher has likened his performances to Luis Suarez, who was in a similar situation in his final season at Anfield.

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You go back to Luis Suarez when he was in the same situation and ‘would Liverpool fans take him back with open arms?’

Jamie Carragher on Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho

“He does it a lot (shoot from outside the box),” Carragher said on Sky Sports of Philippe Coutinho.

“I think that’s why he gets so many goals.

“I think sometimes he can be frustrating when it’s maybe a bit too far out.

“But as soon as he gets within 25 yards, the trigger is getting pulled and rightly so.

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Liverpool news: Philippe Coutinho has scored in his last three outings

“Even though it’s only four or five games since he’s come back, his performances considering he didn’t have a real pre-season, all the talk of Barcelona, and you go back to Luis Suarez when he was in the same situation and ‘would Liverpool fans take him back with open arms?’.

“It’s all about his performances and he’s been brilliant these last four or five games.